Champions finally off the mark
by Tom Hilton, 21st May 2007

Champions Stanton are finally off the mark in Division One of the Surridge Sport Yorkshire and Derbyshire League as Sheffield Collegiate III were bowled out just 20 short of the 229-4 they had been set for victory. The same can’t be said for Calver who again failed to make an impression with the bat. They managed 117 away at Parkhead with Turner grabbing 5-19 a total which the home side made with 7 wickets still intact.

Holmesfield’s perfect start continues with a 134 run defeat of Stocksbridge. Pearson’s 55 as well as and unbeaten 95 from the in form Roslington seeing Holmesfield to 213-5dec before Roslington’s 6-26 helped skittle Stocksbridge for 79. Hundall inflicted defeat on SWD for the first time this season, their 178-9 which included 66 from Dawson was just enough to see them home. Works in response were bowled out for 150 largely thanks to Yardy’s 5-65.

In a low scoring game at Ashford the visitors De La Salle were restricted to 132. A.J Finney doing the bulk of the damage with 4-46 and Latimer contributing with 43. Gayle’s 4-1 made it impossible for Ashford to reach their total as they could only muster 87 in response. Sheffield University Staff scored maximum points at home to Hathersage, 218-7 from them featuring 59 from Kerry and Sharmer’s 94 not out was easily too many for Hathersage as they were dismissed for 121. Sharmer adding 5-26 to his first innings score.

A day for the bowlers as well in Division 2 with the highest score posted by Parkhead II. Gopal made 47 and Roberts claimed 5-64 in their 174-8. Ridgeway’s run chase falling short as they battled to 133-7 at the close with Roberts helping out with 49 and Keywood snaring 4-25 for Parkhead. Dallman’s 4-20 helped to restrict De La Salle II to 100 against Walkley. Green’s 4-24 for De La Salle didn’t prove to be a big enough stumbling block for Walkley as they made it home with 4 wickets intact.

In the local encounter, Grindleford were able to chase down the 116 they were set by Bakewell for the loss of only 5 wickets. Buchan’s 4-40 helped Grindleford to keep Bakewell to an achievable total. Relegated Millhouses took the points against Chesterfield Barbarians. The 145 from Millhouses was hampered by Sharman’s 4-31 but 50 from Dewsbury helped them to a decent total. The Barbarians fell 13 short of reaching their total as they were bowled out for 132.

Sheepbridge provided an impressive run chase away at Centralians. Cents concluding on 167-9 with Hullett taking 4-25. The Sheepbridge response was clinical as they reached their target with only two wickets down thanks mainly to Whitehead’s 50 and Henshaw’s 74 not out. It was defeat for Baslow as they were beaten by SWD by 4 wickets. Works were set 117 for victory and they got there despite 4-43 from Hatfield.

A bizarre game in Division 3 as Whittington Wanderers posted a small total of 56 against Hathersage. Woolway helping himself to 6-17 for Hathersage. However with help of 4-21 from Whitley Hathersage were bowled out just 4 short of the 57 they needed for victory. 4 wickets each for Drew and Bridgett reduced Transport to 136 all out despite 55 from Owens. Dronfield squeezed home with 3 wickets left with Owen’s 4 wickets in vain for Transport.

Duckmanton Lodge were able to defend 97 against Collegiate, V. Seal’s 4-45 and Collins 4-46 put Collegiate in a strong position but they capitulated to 60 all out with Williams grabbing 6-21. An impressive 6-31 from Brocklehurst kept Hallam to 114 against Whittington Wanderers II but it turned out to be too many as Wanderers were removed for 82. Stewart’s economical and destructive 5-4 seeing off Whittington. Millhouses eased to an 8 wicket win away at Hundall II. The home side managing 151-9 which featured 50 from Wigfield but it was easily reached with 94 for Khan and Olner’s unbeaten 45 seeing Millhouses to victory.

In Division 4 Stocksbridge II stumbled to 130 all out leaving Perry stranded on 43 not out with Hatton taking 4-26. Weston Park Hospital reached their total for the loss of 7 wickets to earn them maximum points. It was a 3 wicket defeat for University Staff II also as their first innings total of 160-8 was met by Zingari.

Saturday was a day that Duckmanton Lodge II will want to forget as they were bowled out for 36 against Ashford in the Water II with Wilson collecting 5-17. Ashford completed a 10 wicket win with ease. The only game to be abandoned was between Stocksbridge III and Baslow II. Rain disrupting any chance of play.